Yerevan, December 26 /Mediamax/. The growth of GDP by the end of 2006 will make 13,4%, Minister of Trade and Economic Development Karen Chshmaritian stated in Yerevan today.

Mediamax reports that speaking at a news conference in Yerevan today, Karen Chshmaritian stated that the Armenian economy has overcome the transitional period and is gradually diversifying, and the decline in one field does not influence much on the overall economic indices.

Karen Chshmaritian stated that the main task of the Ministry for 2007 will be the development of the innovational economy. “The State intends to assist that direction in every possible way”, the Minister stated.

Karen Chshmaritian stated that the weight of small and medium enterprises in Armenia in the structure of the GDP will make 40% in the end of 2006.

During the latest 3 years there were 25000 subjects of small and medium enterprises were established in the republic, more than 11000 of which in 2006. As a result, there appeared 16 000 new jobs during the current year.

According to Karen Chshmaritian, the specific weight of the subjects of small and medium entrepreneurship in the structure of export also increased, making 17%.